BEIJING, March 1 (Xinhuanet) -- Taiwan compatriots residing on the Chinese mainland on Wednesday criticized Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian's decision of ending the "National Unification Council" and the guidelines on unification.

    It is a grave provocation to the one-China policy universally recognized by the international community and to the peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, said a leading official of the Taiwan Democratic Self-Government League (TDSGL) Central Committee, one of the eight non-Communist parties.

    The official slashed Chen Shui-bian's decision to stop operation of the "National Unification Council" and application of "National Unification Guidelines".

    Chen made the promise of "five no's" on cross-Strait relations in May 2000, which included the pledge of "the abolition of the 'National Unification Council' and the 'National Unification Guideline' will not be an issue" during his term of office.

    The cross-strait relations have been developing in a peaceful and stable way since last year by efforts of the people on both sides. However Chen goes against the trend by overtly breaking his own promises, said the official.

    A leader of the All-China Federation of Taiwan Compatriots said despite strong opposition from people across the Taiwan Strait and the international community, Chen made the decision on Feb. 27.

    Though Chen didn't use the premeditated word "abolish" but the word "cease (end)," it is just a play of words, he said.

    Chen Shui-bian has obstinately promoted radical "Taiwan independence" line and stirred up all-round confrontation and conflict within Taiwan and across the Taiwan Strait. It will only bring disaster to Taiwan society, he said.

    The leader called on compatriots on both sides of the strait to rally and oppose the "Taiwan independence" forces and work for development and prosperity across the Strait. Enditem